Collapsible octagonal single-line kite

ABSTRACT

Provided is a kite construction including a multi-component airframe decentralizing one or more points of constituent connections. The airframe includes a base, and a truss configured to span across the base and to distributed connections. In doing so, component airframe members are joined in a manner heightening structural integrity of the airframe, while at the same time allowing for an ease of disassembly of those members at the distributed connections.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed embodiments relate to kite construction, and more specifically, such a construction affording both stability in flight, as well as collapsibility enabling ease of assembly and disassembly, transport, storage, and component replacement.

BACKGROUND

Kite construction, flying and admiration for the same have long been passions for flight enthusiasts. The sheer pleasure of constructing an object which may be manually controlled while sailing through the air has inspired many to achieve a more perfected construction. In this regard, stability has heretofore been a primary concern amongst those seeking to maximize the thrill of kite construction and flying, all with the goal of heightening the flying experience through ensuring against component and/or assembly failure.

Yet when attempting to achieve this stability, past construction has concentrated on employing a single, centralized point of spar assembly that, while easy to provide, invites several disadvantages.

Among these is an inability to deter against catastrophic in-flight failure owing to rupture of any one spar, or multiple spars, at that single, centralized point of assembly. Still further, and in view of a manner of bridle attachment given the aforementioned assembly, there may exist a a lack of opportunity for optimal maneuverability of the kite so as to avoid both rolling about the point of bridle attachment and erratic fluctuation in a flying angle.

Even more, such a centralized, fixed point construction also fails to provide an ability for an ease of assembly and disassembly the permit convenient transport, storage and component replacement.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide for a kite and construction therefor which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following summary and the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the present embodiments as claimed. Neither the summary nor the description that follows is intended to define or limit the scope of the present embodiments to the particular features mentioned in the summary or in the description. Rather, the scope of the present embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

An aspect of the embodiments includes a kite having an airframe, a sail configured to connect with the airframe, and a bridle configured to connect with the airframe, the airframe including a base, and a truss bowing upwardly from the base, and the base including wing portions extending outwardly, with respect to the truss, to define perimeter portions of the kite.

Another aspect of the embodiments includes a kite having a collapsible airframe, a sail configured to connect with the airframe, and a bridle configured to connect with the airframe, the airframe defining a base including a plurality of base spars releasably joined at respective base connectors therefor, and a truss including a plurality of truss spars releasably joined at respective truss connectors therefor, at least a pair of the base connectors and the truss connectors defining a common point of connection among spars of the pluralities of base spars and truss spars, such that the truss extends laterally outward from the base, and a tension line operatively connected with each of the base and the truss, and configured to receive an oscillator to maintain a shape of the kite.

Still another aspect of the embodiments includes a kite having a collapsible airframe, a sail configured to connect with the airframe, and a bridle configured to connect with the airframe, and receive a bridle harness thereon, the bridle harness being adjustable along a control line of the bridle to adjust an angle of attack of the kite, the airframe including a base, and a truss bowing upwardly from the base, the base including substantially trapezoidally shaped wing portions extending outwardly, with respect to the truss, to define perimeter portions of the kite, and the airframe configured to receive a tension line therealong for carrying an oscillator to maintain a shape of the kite, each of the airframe and the tension line forming a substantially octagonal shape of the kite.

In certain embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may include one or more of the features described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use these embodiments and others that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Embodiments herein will be more particularly described in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an airframe of a kite, according to embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a side, elevated view of a truss forming a portion of the airframe in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the attachment of the truss to a base of the airframe in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a sail configured to attach to the airframe illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a bottom, elevated view of the sail of FIG. 4A illustrating points of connection for the airframe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a bridle configured to attach to the airframe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an elevated view of an exemplary point of attachment of the bridle of FIG. 5 to the airframe of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A-7H illustrate side and elevated views of various connectors included in the airframe of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a tail harness configured to receive a kite tail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described in terms of various exemplary embodiments. This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate features of the present embodiments. The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. The skilled artisan will appreciate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment but typically has relevance and applicability to one or more other embodiments.

In the several figures, like reference numerals may be used for like elements having like functions even in different drawings. The embodiments described, and their detailed construction and elements, are merely provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the present embodiments. Thus, it is apparent that the present embodiments can be carried out in a variety of ways, and do not require any of the specific features described herein. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the present embodiments with unnecessary detail.

The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present embodiments, since the scope of the present embodiments are best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an airframe 10 of the kite (as constructed by the collective assembly of each of the components of FIGS. 1-8) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The airframe 10 is defined by a network of, optionally, wooden or fiberglass spars, and connectors, collectively defining a base 12 and a truss 14. More specifically, the base 12 is formed of a rectangular portion 16 by base spars 18 around which adjoining base spars 20 are situated along sides of the rectangular portion 16. The collection of base spars 18 and the collection of base spars 20 (together with truss spars 22 discussed below) each respectively form substantially trapezoidally shaped wings 21, comprising base spars 32 further forming the base 12 and positioned on opposing sides of the rectangular portion 16. Joined with the base 12, and formed so as to bow outwardly from the base 12, as shown in FIG. 2, is the truss 14. Truss 14 is defined by a collection of truss spars 22, as well as a truss spar 24 defining a central spine of the kite.

Disposition of the truss 14 relative to the base 12 establishes a dihedral angle therebetween, based on the rise of the truss 14 from the base 12, and particularly from a top of the kite, at “A,” to a bottom thereof, at “B.” As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of truss spars 22 rises inwardly toward a mid-portion of the kite to join along central spine 24 via dihedral top connector 26, dihedral middle connector 28 and dihedral base connector 30.

Extended outwardly from the truss 14 and rectangular portion are base spars 32 connected at base end connectors 34 so as to form a perimeter portion of the kite.

With the exception of central spine 24, which is a continuous spar spanning each of the dihedral top connector 26, dihedral middle connector 28 and dihedral base connector 30, all other spars herein are single member spars relative to connection points therebetween.

In referring now to FIG. 3, the truss 14 is shown relative to its base connections at base top connectors 36 and 37, truss cross connectors 38 and base cross connectors 40. More specifically, each of (1) base top connectors 36, 37 define common points of connection for both truss spars 22 and base spars 32, (2) truss cross connectors 38 define common points of connection for truss spars 22 and base spars 32, and (3) dihedral base connector 30 defines common points of connection for central spine 24 and base spars 18. Thus, in view of the commonality of connections just discussed, and recalling that central spine 24 extends from a top of the kite toward a bottom thereof, such that central spine 24 divides rectangular portion 16 in half when viewed in plan view, it will be understood that connection of the airframe spars is decentralized. That is, no one point of connection is more susceptible to failure than another. Accordingly, stresses and strains to be encountered by the airframe may be more adequately addressed than is the case with a centralized construction in which multiple spars are joined at a common connection point.

Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is the attachment of a tension line 42 between and connected with base top connectors 36, 37, and which receives an oscillator 44, optionally formed of paper or other weighted material, for weighing on the tension line 42 so as to maintain a shape of the kite when in flight.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a sail 46, optionally constructed of fabric or other material suitable for flying. As will be understood, sail 46 attaches to airframe 10 so as to provide an enhanced aesthetic. Such manner of attachment is illustrated in FIG. 4B. Therein, the sail 46 is depicted in accordance with a bottom, elevated view thereof illustrating a plurality of apertures 48 distributed throughout an underside 50 so as to define sleeves 52 therebetween for insertion of the spars, as is demonstrated by a partial cutaway portion demonstrating, for example, a spar 32 being held within a sleeve 52 of the underside 50 of the sail 46. As can also be seen, relative to consideration of FIG. 1, fabric of the underside 50 of the sail 46 exposes the spars of the airframe 10 so that they may meet and join with their respective airframe connectors. As such, the airframe 10 may be securely attached to the sail 46.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bridle 54 including a control line 56, a bridle harness 58 and legs 60, each of which is formed of, optionally, cord, string or other weighted line material suitable for flying control. Each leg 60 terminates with a simple knot forming a collar 62 for connection with a connector of the airframe (as discussed below). Disposed between the legs 60 is the control line 56 and bridle harness 58. As shown, the control line 56 defines a series of angle of attack adjustment knots 64 therealong. The bridle harness 58, at one end, defines a Prusik Knot enabling its attachment to a particular one of the angle of attack adjustment knots 64. In this way, as may be achieved by other types of knotting structures, the bridle harness 58 may be securely fastened to an angle of attack adjustment knot 64 without slippage since adjacent knots 64 on the control line 56 serve as barriers to movement of the bridle harness 58. At another end of the bridle harness 58 is formed a bridle point loop 66 (formed from a simple knot) to which a flying line may be attached for steering the kite while in flight. Through use of the bridle harness 58, the angle of attack of the kite may be incrementally decreased when the harness 58 is attached with a particular successive one of the adjustment knots 64 positioned toward the top of the kite, and incrementally increased when the harness 58 is attached with a particular successive one of the adjustment knots 64 positioned toward the bottom of the kite.

FIG. 6 illustrates an anchor 68, optionally formed as cord or string and operatively connected with each of the base top connectors 36, 37 and base cross connectors 40 for respectively receiving each of collars 62 of the bridle 54. Optionally, attachment of the collars 62 to the anchors 68 is achieved by forming a Prusik Knot from the collars 62.

In referring to FIG. 7, illustrated are detail views of the respective airframe connectors discussed above in connection with FIG. 1. Each of the connectors is, optionally, formed of an injection molded plastic, or by 3D printing. In particular, FIG. 7A illustrates the truss cross connector 38; FIG. 7B illustrates the dihedral top connector 26; FIG. 7C illustrates the base cross connector 40; FIG. 7D illustrates the dihedral base connector 30; FIG. 7E illustrates the base end connector 34; FIG. 7F illustrates the base top connector 36; FIG. 7G illustrates the base top connector 37; and FIG. 7H illustrates the dihedral middle connector 28. Each of these connectors includes appropriate holes 70 therein for receiving one or more spars, as discussed above. In this way, the airframe 10 may be assembled and collapsed with relative ease in a short amount of time, and whereas transport and storage are tasks which may be quickly accomplished under a variety of conditions, such as inclement weather and space-constrained areas. Notably, base top connectors 36, 37 further include apertures 72 therein for receiving an anchor 68 to which a respective collar 62 of a bridle leg 60 attaches, via a Prusik Knot. Specifically, each anchor 68 is threaded through apertures 72 and knotted, as at “C” (as shown in FIG. 6) at side faces 74 of the base top connectors 36, 37 and base cross connectors 40.

A tail harness 76 is shown in FIG. 8, and which comprises a cord material forming a pair of legs 78 each terminating at one end with a collar and knot pair 80, and at another end with a conjoined knot and loop 82 and 84, respectively, in which the loop 86 is configured to receive a kite tail.

Thus, in view of the above, it will be appreciated that, through its decentralized airframe connection construction, the kite provided by the present disclosure optimizes both a structural integrity of that construction, while at the same time enabling enhanced ease of assembly, transport, strorage and control in flight.

The present embodiments are not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described above in detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements could be devised. The present embodiments encompass every possible combination of the various features of each embodiment disclosed. One or more of the elements described herein with respect to various embodiments can be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner than explicitly described, or even removed in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. While the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific illustrative embodiments, modifications and variations of the present embodiments may be constructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present embodiments as set forth in the following claims.

Although the present embodiments have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, enhancements, nuances, gradations, lesser forms, alterations, revisions, improvements and knock-offs of the embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments in their broadest form. 

1. A kite, comprising: an airframe; a sail configured to connect with the airframe; and a bridle configured to connect with the airframe, the airframe comprising a base, and a truss bowing upwardly from the base, and the base comprising wing portions extending outwardly, with respect to the truss, to define perimeter portions of the kite.
 2. The kite according to claim 1, wherein: the airframe comprises a plurality of spars.
 3. The kite according to claim 2, wherein: each of the plurality of spars is configured to be releasably secured to the airframe at one or more connection points therefor.
 4. The kite according to claim 3, wherein: the base comprises a rectangular portion defined by at least four spars intersecting at right angles.
 5. The kite according to claim 4, wherein: a portion of the truss divides the rectangular portion in half, when viewed in plan view.
 6. The kite according to claim 5, wherein: the wing portions comprise a substantially trapezoidal shape.
 7. The kite according to claim 6, wherein: the truss extends from a top of the kite toward a bottom of the kite.
 8. The kite according to claim 7, further comprising: an oscillator configured to maintain a shape of the kite.
 9. The kite according to claim 8, wherein: the oscillator is configured to attach to a tension line of the kite.
 10. A kite, comprising: a collapsible airframe; a sail configured to connect with the airframe; a bridle configured to connect with the airframe, the airframe defining a base comprising a plurality of base spars releasably joined at respective base connectors therefor, and a truss comprising a plurality of truss spars releasably joined at respective truss connectors therefor, at least a pair of the base connectors and the truss connectors defining a common point of connection among spars of the pluralities of base spars and truss spars, such that the truss extends laterally outward from the base; and a tension line operatively connected with each of the base and the truss, and configured to receive an oscillator to maintain a shape of the kite.
 11. The kite according to claim 10, wherein: the base comprises a rectangular portion.
 12. The kite according to claim 11, wherein: the truss divides the rectangular portion in half when viewed in plan view.
 13. The kite according to claim 10, wherein: the sail comprises a plurality of apertures each configured to receive a spar therein so as to affix the sail to the airframe.
 14. The kite according to claim 10, wherein: the bridle comprises a control line comprising a series of knots.
 15. The kite according to claim 14, wherein: the bridle further comprises a bridle harness engageable with at least one of the knots to control an angle of attack of the kite.
 16. The kite according to claim 15, wherein: the bridle harness comprises a bridle loop configured to receive a flying line thereat.
 17. The kite according to claim 16, wherein: the bridle is configured to be attached to a top of the airframe corresponding to a top of the kite, and to a mid-portion of the airframe.
 18. The kite according to claim 17, wherein: adjustment of the bridle harness toward the top of the airframe effects a decrease in the angle of attack, and adjustment of the bridle harness toward a bottom of the airframe effects an increase in the angle of attack.
 19. The kite according to claim 18, further comprising: a tail harness configured to receive a tail.
 20. A kite, comprising: a collapsible airframe; a sail configured to connect with the airframe; and a bridle configured to connect with the airframe, and receive a bridle harness thereon, the bridle harness being adjustable along a control line of the bridle to adjust an angle of attack of the kite, the airframe comprising a base, and a truss bowing upwardly from the base, the base comprising substantially trapezoidally shaped wing portions extending outwardly, with respect to the truss, to define perimeter portions of the kite, and the airframe configured to receive a tension line therealong for carrying an oscillator to maintain a shape of the kite, each of the airframe and the tension line forming a substantially octagonal shape of the kite. 